Dahlia show coming to Waynesville

Three local dahlia growers in Haywood County, Jack Leatherwood, Johnny Trantham and Ken Zula, were recently visited by Southern Living Magazine and showcased in the Aug. edition of the magazine.

Haywood County’s secret — the temperate climate of cool nights and warm, sunny days — provides the perfect environment for dahlias. The county also has had a long history with this flower, starting with A.L. Freedlander, who was Dayco president and CEO for many years. When he made a donation to establish Haywood Community College, he stipulated that a dahlia garden be included in the initial funding for the 80-acre arboretum. The garden now has about 400 plants with more than 250 varieties of dahlias, and is open to the public.

The Wayesville Council of Gardens Glubs’ Dahlia Show will have a dahlia show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 25 through the 27 at the Waynesville First Baptist Church on Main Street.

All entries should be brought to the church from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Thursday morning. Judging will be done by viewers and a Viewer’s Choice Award in both the single flower and arrangement category. Free admission. www.carolinasdahliasociety.org or 828.452.2411.